Thank you for donating time, talent, treasure in Haiti (and everywhere)

Today, we take a moment to thank the people who help. The crisis in Haiti has generated a huge outpouring of aid to the people of that beleagured country. The images of the devastation and human tragedy are searing reminders that people need help now. The media has done a wonderful job of getting the word out about the crisis, running story after story with those images of frightened, grieving survivors, suffering children, human bravery and resilience, miraculous rescues and detailed descriptions of what will help.

You've probably donated already. The relief organizations have an easy time raising awareness because the story is urgent and unambiguous - people are suffering right this minute - now. You can make a difference in someone's life now. Help now. So, generous people all over the world are donating money, time and expertise to help the men, women and children in Haiti.

It is worth considering for a moment the essential goodness of so many, helping those they will never meet, because it is the right thing to do. It's a WOW moment -- a time for thanks for those who give so selflessly.

So thank you. From middle school bake sales to local church fundraisers and missions...to the old reliable first responders, like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army...to the aid organizations who have been in Haiti from the beginning - you are doing great work. You are saving lives. You are making a difference. You are also enabling us to transform our lives by giving, which unites us in love to each other, and reminds us that what connects us is ever so much stronger than that which divides us.

Please take a look at the aid organizations below the next time you consider donating to a nonprofit. There are a million reasons not to donate, not to support these nonprofits, not to give. Some may not support your political beliefs. Some may not share your spiritual or religious beliefs. Yet, there are infinitely more reasons to give, to donate, to help. People need help. People need you. Perhaps you feel a call to help -- otherwise, you would probably not be reading this. All you have to do is find a group you can support.

Ways to investigate charities

Check out Charity Navigator or Network for Good if you are skeptical about a given group. They provide some statistics about how groups spend their funds, they each have their own list of charities, and you can donate directly from Network for Good.

Articles about charity scammers

• Five Tips to Avoid Haiti Scams


• As World Looks to Help Haiti, Scammers Sit Poised


• Haiti Donations Targeted By Scammers

You are also welcome to send me an email to be included on my list.

The list of nonprofits, aid organizations, and faith-based groups helping Haiti is after the jump. The printable version is here.